countyscore
64.8
County Score
Cost of Living 95.1Safety 92.8Disaster Risk 65

County Report Card

About Magoffin County, Kentucky

Magoffin County Outperforms the National Median

Magoffin County achieves a composite score of 64.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests an exceptional level of livability compared to the average United States county.

Leading the Kentucky State Average

Magoffin County's 64.8 score comfortably exceeds the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a strong performer within the Commonwealth, particularly in terms of safety and affordability.

Elite Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect cost score of 95.1 and a safety score of 92.8. With median gross rent at just $633 per month and a low home value of $88,300, housing is exceptionally accessible.

Significant Income and Health Hurdles

The local economy faces steep challenges with an income score of 0.7 and a median household income of $33,632. Health outcomes also lag behind, reflected in a low dimension score of 23.5.

Ideal for Remote Workers and Retirees

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safe streets and rock-bottom housing costs. Those who do not rely on the local job market will find the highest value here.

Score breakdown

Tax59.9Cost95.1Safety92.8Health23.5Schools62Income0.7Risk65Water28.1Weather63.3
🏛59.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Magoffin County?

Many homeowners in Magoffin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Magoffin County with Wallace County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Wallace County
Kansas
Median income: $60,263
64.8
Lewis County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,632
64.8
Carbon County
Montana
Median income: $71,017
64.8
Monroe County
Ohio
Median income: $58,962
64.8
Caldwell County
Missouri
Median income: $62,520
64.7
Burt County
Nebraska
Median income: $57,303
64.7
Phelps County
Nebraska
Median income: $65,988
64.7
Lexington city
Virginia
Median income: $89,598
64.7

Nearby counties

Johnson County
Kentucky
67.4
Breathitt County
Kentucky
59.8
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Floyd County
Kentucky
61.3
Wolfe County
Kentucky
71
Knott County
Kentucky
67.8
Elliott County
Kentucky
72.6
Lawrence County
Kentucky
61.4

Deep Dives

Magoffin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Magoffin County

via TaxByCounty

Magoffin's low rate vastly undercuts nation

Magoffin County's effective tax rate of 0.728% is less than one-quarter of the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a typical home worth $281,900. This Appalachian county's median home value of just $88,300 means property owners pay far lower absolute dollars than national counterparts.

Magoffin ranks slightly below state average

At 0.728%, Magoffin's rate sits just 1.3% below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it among the state's lower-tax counties. The county's median tax of $643 represents 41% less than Kentucky's state median of $1,093.

Magoffin lowest in its peer group

Magoffin's 0.728% rate edges out Mason County (0.634%) to rank near the bottom regionally, alongside Martin County (0.774%) and Madison County (0.739%). The county's low property values, not low rates, drive the modest tax bills residents see.

Median home carries $643 annual tax

An $88,300 home in Magoffin County incurs roughly $643 in yearly property tax, translating to about $54 monthly for owners without mortgages. Adding mortgage-related assessments raises the typical bill to $1,161.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Even in Magoffin's modest housing market, many homeowners carry inflated assessments relative to what homes actually sell for. Requesting a formal assessment review with your county assessor takes minimal time and could yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Magoffin County

via CostByCounty

Magoffin faces real affordability stress

Magoffin County residents spend 22.6% of income on rent—well above the 17% state average and significantly higher than the national trend toward affordability crisis. The median household income of just $33,632 pushes housing costs to unsustainable levels despite modest $633 monthly rents.

Kentucky's most strained county

Magoffin ranks among Kentucky's worst for housing affordability, with a 22.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 5.6 percentage points. This burden falls on one of the state's lowest median incomes at $33,632.

Lowest income in the region

Magoffin's $33,632 median income trails all nearby counties—Martin ($46,185), McCreary ($37,355), and Mason ($51,473)—making it the region's most economically challenged. Rent at $633 is lowest in the region, but income constraints make even bargain housing unaffordable.

Modest costs mask income crisis

At $633 monthly rent consuming 22.6% of a $33,632 income, Magoffin residents face genuine hardship despite low absolute housing costs. Homeownership fares slightly better at $473 monthly, but the median home value of $88,300 still represents a steep climb for low-income families.

Magoffin offers cheap housing, limited opportunity

Remote workers or retirees with external income sources may find bargains here, but job-seekers should note Magoffin's $33,632 median income signals limited economic opportunity. Compare income prospects in Martin County ($46,185) or McCreary County ($37,355) before committing to the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Magoffin County

via IncomeByCounty

Magoffin faces significant income gap

Magoffin County's median household income of $33,632 trails the national median of $74,755 by 55%, one of the steepest gaps in the state. Per capita income of $20,024 falls 32% below Kentucky's average of $29,616, signaling economic pressure.

Among Kentucky's lowest earners

Magoffin County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income running $22,277 below the state average of $55,909. The county faces systemic economic challenges reflected in wages and employment opportunities.

Struggles compared to surrounding areas

Magoffin's $33,632 median income falls far short of Martin County ($46,185), McCreary County ($37,355), and Marion County ($55,404) nearby. Only McCreary County approaches similar income levels, indicating concentrated economic hardship in eastern Kentucky.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% means Magoffin residents dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, approaching the federal stress threshold of 30%. With median home values at $88,300, affordability exists for homeownership, but rental households face tighter budgets.

Intentional savings unlock long-term stability

Despite lower median income, Magoffin County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and employer retirement plans, even modest contributions. Seeking local financial counseling and exploring education opportunities can expand earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Magoffin County

via CrimeByCounty

Magoffin County boasts elite national safety

With a total crime rate of just 103.0 per 100,000 residents, Magoffin County is exceptionally safe compared to the national average of 2,385.5. It achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. This low activity level places the county among the most secure regions in the United States.

Ranking high among Kentucky's safest counties

Magoffin County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average crime rate of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.8 sits well above the already high state average of 98.8. Two dedicated reporting agencies maintain this high level of public security for the community.

Setting the regional standard for safety

Magoffin’s crime rate of 103.0 is even lower than neighboring Martin County’s 141.7. It also maintains a safer profile than McCreary County, which reports a rate of 118.4. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even in a low-crime state like Kentucky.

Violent crime is extremely rare here

The county reports a violent crime rate of only 34.3 per 100,000, less than half the state average of 78.1. Property crime is also minimal, affecting only 68.7 per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. In practical terms, crime is an infrequent occurrence for most households.

Maintain the county's high safety record

Even in high-safety areas, remaining vigilant helps prevent opportunistic crimes. Consider joining a neighborhood watch or installing basic smart home cameras to deter the few property crimes that do occur. Your proactive steps help keep Magoffin County's safety score at the top of the charts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Magoffin County

via HealthByCounty

Magoffin County's health challenge

Life expectancy in Magoffin County stands at 68.2 years—nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 72.3 years and a striking warning sign. Nearly 1 in 3 residents (32.2%) report poor or fair health, more than double the national average of 17.9%, reflecting serious chronic disease and health struggles.

Among Kentucky's lowest-ranked

Magoffin's 68.2-year life expectancy is 4 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year state average—placing it among the state's worst-performing counties. The 32.2% poor/fair health rate is dramatically higher than Kentucky's statewide average, signaling a county facing acute health disparities.

Struggling compared to peers

Magoffin County's 68.2-year life expectancy trails nearby Martin County (70.6) and McCreary County (69.6), with the highest poor/fair health rate in this peer group. Primary care access is tight at 35 providers per 100K, and mental health resources at 178 per 100K lag behind wealthier neighboring counties like Mason County (493 per 100K).

Uninsured and under-resourced

Magoffin County's 7.6% uninsured rate edges above Kentucky's 7.0% average, leaving many residents without basic coverage. With only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below national standards—many people travel hours to find a doctor, delaying care and worsening health outcomes.

Seek coverage now

In a county where 1 in 3 people report poor health, health insurance isn't optional—it's essential. Visit kynect.ky.gov to explore coverage options including Medicaid, ACA plans, and financial help; uninsured residents can call 1-855-MY-KYNCT for free assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Magoffin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education in Magoffin County

Magoffin County operates five public schools within a single unified district, serving a total of 2,014 students. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace the State

Magoffin County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.8%. The county maintains these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,574 and a school score of 56.3.

A Single District Serving Every Student

The Magoffin County school district manages all 2,014 students, ensuring a consistent curriculum across the entire county. No charter schools exist in this region, allowing the district to focus entirely on its five traditional public campuses.

Close-Knit Rural School Communities

All five schools are situated in rural locales, creating an average school size of 403 students. Magoffin County High School is the largest institution with 637 students, while South Magoffin Elementary offers a smaller setting with 208 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Top Schools

With graduation rates among the highest in the state, Magoffin County is an attractive option for education-focused families. Consider exploring homes in this rural community where high academic standards are a point of local pride.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Magoffin County

via RiskByCounty

Magoffin ranks below the national average

Magoffin County's composite risk score of 34.99 places it in the 'very low' category, well below the U.S. average of 50.19. However, wildfire risk stands out at 82.06—a significant outlier that warrants local attention despite the county's overall low hazard profile.

Magoffin is among Kentucky's safest counties

At 34.99, Magoffin's composite score sits well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the commonwealth's lower-risk areas. Wildfire is the notable exception, where the county's 82.06 score substantially exceeds state norms.

Magoffin is safer than eastern regional peers

Neighboring Martin County scores 49.94 and Madison County 74.84, both significantly riskier than Magoffin's 34.99. Magoffin's exceptionally low tornado risk of 22.11 contrasts sharply with these neighbors, giving it a more favorable overall hazard profile.

Wildfire dominates Magoffin's risk landscape

Wildfire risk at 82.06 is Magoffin's clear standout hazard, nearly double the state average and among the highest in Kentucky. Flooding presents a secondary concern at 60.50, while tornado (22.11) and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire defenses and fuel clearance

Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees, brush, and leaves within 30 feet of structures—critical for counties with wildfire risk above 80. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and consider a metal roof and ember-resistant vents to reduce ignition risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Magoffin County

via SoilByCounty

Navigating the Rugged Magoffin Landscape

Magoffin County currently has limited mapped soil data for pH and taxonomic classification. While the national median pH is 6.5, local growers often contend with the unique acidic profile of the Cumberland Plateau.

Variable Mountain Soil Composition

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current federal records for this county. Local experience suggests that soil workability varies significantly between the steep ridges and the narrow valley floors.

Local Knowledge Drives Growth

Without specific data on organic matter or water capacity, gardeners here rely on tradition and personal soil tests. Adding compost can help your plot reach or exceed the state organic matter average of 3.55%.

Watching the Water Flow

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for the county's soils. Observing runoff patterns after a heavy rain is the best way to determine the best spots for building or planting.

Opportunity in Zone 7a

Falling in Hardiness Zone 7a, Magoffin County supports a wide variety of native plants and cool-weather crops. Even without mapped data, the local climate is perfect for starting a successful vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

Magoffin County sits in hardiness zone 7a, providing a temperate environment for many common grass types. While a specific local difficulty score is unavailable, the regional climate typically offers a standard transition-zone experience.

Following Regional Climate Trends

While specific local climate data is limited, the area follows the broader Kentucky patterns for mowing and watering. Homeowners should prepare for a standard zone 7a growing season that mirrors neighbors in Eastern Kentucky.

Soil Success Through Local Testing

Localized soil data for pH and clay content is currently unavailable for this county. Conduct a personal soil test to ensure your lawn foundation hits the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH target for nutrient absorption.

High Resilience Against Dry Spells

The county has faced only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, showing better resilience than many western counties. Current conditions show zero percent of the area is abnormally dry, meaning natural rainfall is currently sufficient.

Choosing Your Magoffin Grass Type

Hardy transition-zone grasses like tall fescue are the most reliable choices for this environment. Monitor local weather forecasts to start your planting once the soil warms in late April or early May.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magoffin County's county score?
Magoffin County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Magoffin County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Magoffin County ranks #30 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Magoffin County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Magoffin County is $643, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Magoffin County a tax score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Magoffin County?
The median household income in Magoffin County, Kentucky is $33,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Magoffin County earns an income score of 0.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Magoffin County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Magoffin County scores 64.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Magoffin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Magoffin County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.